Minutes - Finance Advisory Committee - 20240514
Town of Aurora
Finance Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes
Date:
Time:
Location:
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
5:45 p.m.
Holland Room, Aurora Town Hall
Committee Members: Mayor Tom Mrakas (Chair)
Councillor Michael Thompson
Councillor Ron Weese
Other Attendees: Doug Nadorozny, Chief Administrative Officer
Rachel Wainwright-van Kessel, Director, Finance
Jason Gaertner, Manager, Financial Management
Sandeep Dhillon, Advisor, Financial Management
Emily Freitas, Council/Committee Coordinator
_____________________________________________________________________
1. Call to Order
The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:46 p.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement
The Committee acknowledged that the meeting took place on Anishinaabe lands,
the traditional and treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island,
recognizing the many other Nations whose presence here continues to this day,
the special relationship the Chippewas have with the lands and waters of this
territory, and that Aurora has shared responsibility for the stewardship of these
lands and waters. It was noted that Aurora is part of the treaty lands of the
Mississaugas and Chippewas, recognized through Treaty #13 and the Williams
Treaties of 1923.
Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 2
3. Approval of the Agenda
Moved by Ron Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the agenda as circulated by Legislative Services be approved.
Carried
4. Declarations of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof
There were no declarations of pecuniary interest under the Municipal Conflict of
Interest Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.50.
5. Receipt of the Minutes
5.1 Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 9, 2024
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Ron Weese
1. That the Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of April 9,
2024, be received for information.
Carried
6. Delegations
None.
7. Matters for Consideration
7.1 Memorandum from Financial Management Advisor; Re: Water and
Wastewater Rate Study Update
Staff provided a presentation on its Water and Wastewater Rate Study,
presenting an overview of the current rate structure and proposed rate
structure, including; the existing customer base, residential and
commercial consumption patterns, challenges of existing rate structures
such as inactive customers and revenue dependency upon the level of
Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 3
water consumption each year. Staff’s proposed multiple rate structures
that strived to promote greater fairness to all residents and businesses, to
encourage water conservation and reduce the Town’s reliance upon a
volumetric driver.
The Committee and Staff discussed the proposed rate structures which
included various fixed and/or variable rate options; including staff’s
recommended rate structure option which consisted of a fixed rate plus
two tier variable rate. In its discussion, the committee examined annual
water consumption by customer type, as well as the benefits and risks
associated with weather patterns experienced. The committee requested
staff undertake a further sensitivity analysis of its proposed two-tier
variable rates to minimize their impact on water users.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Ron Weese
1. That the memorandum regarding Water and Wastewater Rate study be
received; and
2. That the Finance Advisory Committee comments regarding water and
wastewater rate study be received and referred to staff for
consideration and further action as appropriate.
Carried
7.2 Memorandum from Financial Management Manager; Re: Budget Review of
the Finance Department and Corporate Accounts
The Committee discussed the budget review of the Finance Department
and Corporate Accounts and the increasing cost of maintenance and
support for IT and alternatives to mitigate the cost. Staff highlighted,
investing strategically in IT, the software costs and subscription fees
including Microsoft Licensing, and how more online services are being
provided through the website for residents as a result.
The Committee also discussed with Staff transfers from reserves and
debt management, the operating surplus, and revenue captured.
Moved by Councillor Thompson
Seconded by Ron Weese
Finance Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 4
1. That the memorandum regarding the Budget Review of the Finance
Department and Corporate Accounts be received; and
2. That the Finance Advisory Committee comments regarding the Budget
Review of the Finance Department and Corporate Accounts be
received and referred to staff for consideration and further action as
appropriate.
Carried
8. New Business
None.
9. Adjournment
Moved by Ron Weese
Seconded by Councillor Thompson
That the meeting be adjourned at 6:18 p.m.
Carried